Career Corner - Climbing The Corporate Ladder

Climbing the corporate ladder is an ongoing process
that could take years to reach your ultimate goal. To
help keep executives moving up the rungs, AllBusiness.com
offers these tips:

1. Get advice from the top. Be on the lookout for successful
individuals whose judgment you respect. Ask them for
advice on what you need to do to be successful in your
career plan. Listen carefully.

2. Step up and get involved. The best way to raise your
visibility within the company may be to step outside
the confines of your position and become involved in
other projects, ideally projects that involve many departments.
This exposes you to other people in the organization
and allows you to flex your leadership muscles.

3. Build your credibility. Most people want to work
with somebody they trust and respect. To become that
person, you need to build positive, trusting relationships
with others in your company. Communicate clearly and
effectively with your coworkers and listen carefully
when others speak. Be sure to follow through on your
promises. Be careful not to play favorites and avoid
taking sides.

4. Remember those below you. Part of the measure of
your success is how you are able to help those under
you identify and nurture the latent capabilities inside
themselves. If everyone in your department has a desire
to grow, you will be more likely to accomplish the goals
you’ve set out for yourself and for the team.

5. Speak up. Charisma is an art that can be learned.
Developing your social and public speaking skills can
help you to succeed. Anyone can volunteer to speak to
service clubs and civic organizations. These opportunities
will help you hone your oratory skills and become a better
public speaker.

6. Variety is vital. Try different job assignments,
projects, and development processes. In so doing, you
learn to become more flexible and willing to step away
from that which is easy and certain of success, to take
on new challenges.